Reports from Syrian state media indicate that at least 36 individuals lost their lives and 50 others were wounded in an Israeli airstrike that targeted residential buildings in Palmyra, Syria.
The attack, which caused significant material damage, originated from al-Tanf in eastern Syria, an area near the Iraqi border controlled by the United States, as stated by Syria’s Ministry of Defence.
Israel has conducted numerous strikes in Syria since the onset of the Syrian war in 2011, often targeting the Syrian army and Iran-backed groups.
Recent escalated attacks in Syria by Israel coincide with ongoing hostilities with the Iran-aligned Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
Israel has expressed concerns about Iran’s increasing presence in Syria and has carried out strikes to prevent further expansion.
Last week, Israeli military confirmed attacks on transit routes on the Syrian-Lebanese border to disrupt weapon transfers to Hezbollah.
In response, Syrian state media reported several Israeli attacks in Homs province, where Palmyra is located.
Palmyra is renowned for its ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that was partially destroyed by the ISIS group in 2015 before being recaptured by the Syrian army.
Lebanon ceasefire talks
The Israeli attack coincided with US envoy Amos Hochstein’s visit to the Middle East to facilitate ceasefire talks between Hezbollah and Israel.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem emphasized the group’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and readiness to retaliate against Israeli strikes.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated Israel’s stance on maintaining the freedom to act against Hezbollah and preventing their rearmament in Lebanon.
Efforts for a ceasefire are based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701, aiming to restrict Hezbollah’s military presence near the Israeli border.
Reports of Israeli shelling and air strikes in southern Lebanon, along with retaliatory actions by Hezbollah, highlight the ongoing conflict in the region.
The toll of casualties, including civilians, from the recent hostilities underscores the urgency for a peaceful resolution.
